John Robshaw Velvet Sage Collection

Soft and luxurious velvet, hand quilted by Indian artisans in a style known as 'channel quilting' where the quilting runs in parallel lines in one direction. Solid dyed cotton velvet front with cotton on the back. 

Velvet has long held a special place in India’s textile heritage, associated with royalty, ceremony, and refined craftsmanship. Historically introduced through trade routes connecting South Asia with Persia and Central Asia, velvet quickly became a fabric of prestige, embraced by royal courts across regions such as the Mughal Empire in the heart of what is now Uttar Pradesh. Its dense pile, deep color absorption, and soft sheen made it a preferred choice for garments, furnishings, and ceremonial textiles that symbolized wealth and cultural sophistication.

In India, velvet evolved beyond its origins to become part of indigenous craft traditions through techniques like hand quilting. One such method is “channel quilting,” where artisans stitch parallel lines across the fabric in a single direction. This structured yet minimalist technique enhances the natural drape of velvet while adding subtle texture and rhythm.